New USAF Policy on Gender Dysphoria Discharges

Week of June 15, 2015

Military.com

The Air Force leaders recently announced a change to the decision authority for involuntary separations for enlisted Airmen diagnosed with gender dysphoria or who identify themselves as transgender. Though the Air Force policy regarding involuntary separation of gender dysphoric Airmen has not changed, the decision authority has been elevated to the director, Air Force Review Boards Agency. A recommendation for discharge because of gender dysphoria must be supported by a report of evaluation by a psychiatrist or Ph.D.-level clinical psychologist. Identification as transgender, absent a record of poor duty performance, misconduct, or a medically disqualifying condition, is not a basis for involuntary separation. If command recommends involuntary separation of an enlisted Airman for gender dysphoria or for another reason and the enlisted Airman has self-identified as transgender, separation action will be reviewed by the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council for recommendation, and then to the AFRBA director, for decision. Officer involuntary administrative separation decision authority remains with the AFRBA director. Get the whole story on Military.com.